Outskirts Press, INC.

Exposing the True Impact of Student Suspensions

Out-of-school suspensions are an accepted disciplinary practice for students who have can students, who are more likely to receive multiple out-of-school suspension penalties, suffer negative effects that impact their school careers and their lives overall. This study analyzes data collected through face-to-face interviews and focus groups of African-American students and K-12 certified teachers in a New York public school district. The results are eye-opening, and point to the need for alternatives to the practice of suspension, which causes negative impacts including deterioration in academic performance, lessened trust of authority, and decline in academic motivation. The inherently damaging effects of out-of-school suspensions are clearly expressed by both students and teachers. It is hoped that the research done in this book will inspire a closer look at suspensions, particularly in cases where there has been no threat of harm, and that educators as a whole can work toward establishing positive, collaborative disciplinary procedures.